“Live not according to your circumstances; live according to who your God is.” No words were truer to author Teresa Littell as she prepared herself for one of the most defining moments in her life – being the strong, God-fearing mother at the bedside of her leukemia-stricken nine-year-old son Jonathan. Trust in HIS Glory describes the events that transpired after the leukemia diagnosis in tumors found behind Jonathan’s eyes. The reality of cancer was one Teresa and her family didn’t want to face, but one they realized God placed in their lives for their purpose in Him. From frequent stays at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to enduring countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Jonathan’s trust in God created him to be a positive influence to those of his family, friends, church and even hospital staff. Jonathan’s example of living to glorify God led to Teresa and her family being strengthened in their own faith, understanding that living each day for God is the only way to live.

Teresa grew up as a timid, cul-de-sac kid who was content to play paper dolls in her neighbor’s basement. Yet trying to keep up with her boys, Jonathan, Justin and Joshua, and husband, David, changed her into a mom who has canoed with alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp and scuba dived with barracuda in the Caribbean. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, she followed her heart to work as the lead childcare worker at a therapeutic group home and later as the county youth services officer with juvenile court. The joy of the Lord confirms her current calling as kindergarten teacher at a Christian school. She also enjoys teaching a ladies’ Bible study group at her church in Dayton, Tennessee and speaking at churches, workshops and conferences.